Locals Only Itinerary

This itinerary is for guests who want to experience Colorado like a local — no rushing, no fluff, just great coffee, golden trails, and the kind of meals you remember.
You’ll spend a couple of days in Winter Park, one of our favorite mountain towns. There’s time for a hot air balloon ride, a hike through the aspens, and meals at the spots we always take friends. Then it’s off to the ranch, fully acclimated and fully in the fall zone.

  • Day 1: Thursday, September 24

    🚗 Drive from Denver to Winter Park (~2 hours)

    🏡 Check into your Airbnb, boutique lodge, or hotel

    ☕ Coffee stop at Moon Frog Coffee (the best!)

    🚠 Gondola ride to the top of Winter Park Resort for panoramic fall views

    🍽 Dinner:

    The A-Frame Club – wood-grilled French-Alpine vibes

    or Deno’s – cozy, classic, and very local

    🌙 Firepit hang, glass of wine, or early bedtime

  • Day 2: Friday, September 25

    🎈 Optional: Book a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Grand Adventure Balloon Tours

    ☕ Late morning coffee and pastries from Moon Frog

    🥾 Choose your fall hike:

    Jim Creek Trail – quiet, forested, with aspens and a creek

    Monarch Lake Loop – wide open, lake reflections + big leaf energy

    🌮 Lunch at Pepe Osaka’s Fishtaco Tequila Bar – funky and delicious

    🚙 Drive to Devil’s Thumb Ranch (~20 mins)

    🛁 Settle in, hot tub soak, change for dinner

    🌿 6:30 PM – Sukkot Welcome Celebration

  • Day 3: Saturday, September 26

    🌄 Morning options:

    🧘‍♀️ Group yoga

    🐴 Horseback ride

    🎣 Fly fishing

    🥾 Full hike up Devil’s Thumb Trail for ambitious folks

    🛏 Afternoon nap or spa time

    💐 4:30 PM – Outdoor ceremony under the aspens

    🪩 Dinner, toasts, dancing, and after-party until 1 AM

  • Day 4: Sunday, September 27

    🥯 8:30–10:30 AM – Kiss & Go Breakfast

    Bagels, coffee, hugs, and a goodbye pat for Tova 🐶

    🚘 Drive or shuttle back to Denver

    ✈️ Ideal flights depart after 3 PM for a no-stress exit

    🌲 Optional stop: brunch at Bread Bar in Silver Plume on your way out